This Southern Chili Recipe is the only chili you’ll ever need! Made with ground beef, beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh veggies, and bold spices, it’s warm, hearty, and full of bold, Louisiana-inspired flavor. It resembles gumbo but in chili form! Whether it’s a chilly night, game day, or you just need a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this is one dish that never disappoints.
What is a Southern Chili Recipe?
This Louisiana-inspired chili recipe starts as a simple beef and bean chili. Then, I up the ante by adding a holy trinity veggie blend, fire-roasted tomatoes, chilis, and lots of herbs and spices. Once combined, I simmer everything low and slow to marry and enhance all the flavors.
The result is a chunky, hearty chili that pops with savory, herbaceous delicousness and a touch of heat. Add a dollop of sour cream and all the best toppings, and everyone at the table will be licking their bowls and declaring this the best chili recipe!
Recipe Ingredients
Oil: I prefer to use olive oil to brown the beef and sauté the veggies. If preferred, avocado oil will also work.
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 or leaner beef and use the fat to enhance the flavor of the chili. I’ve also tested this recipe with ground turkey or ground chicken, and both versions tasted great.
Veggies: The holy trinity of green pepper, onion, and celery is a staple in Southern recipes, and creates a flavorful, aromatic base. Then, I add garlic for subtle sweetness and extra depth.
Herbs and Spices: We don’t do bland around here! We’re using bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse this southern chili recipe with warm flavor and depth.
Beans: I use a combination of red kidney beans and black beans for a satisfying chunky texture. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before you begin!
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These add bulk to the chili and infuse it with a slightly smoky taste.
Green Chiles: Add a touch of heat.
Beef Broth: Helps thin the chili. Use low-sodium broth to better control the flavor of the dish.
How to Make the Best Southern Chili Recipe
Step 1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef to the pan, season with a teaspoon of salt, and brown, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
Step 2. Once the meat begins to brown, add the diced onion, celery, and diced green pepper. Continue to cook until the onion begins to turn tender.
Step 3. Next, add the minced garlic, green chiles, and seasonings. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to ensure the spices don’t burn.
Step 4. Add the red kidney beans, black beans, canned tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Add more broth as needed.
Step 5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions
One of the best parts of any homemade chili recipe is the toppings! I like to top mine with sour cream and green onions, but you can’t go wrong with shredded cheese or avocado slices either. Then, add a side of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits!
How to Store and Reheat
This southern chili recipe actually tastes better the next day, after all the flavors meld. Once cool, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw your chili in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth as needed to thin it back out.
More Hearty Main Course Recipes
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Southern Black Eyed Peas
- Easy Hamburger Soup
- Red Beans and Rice
I hope you love this Southern Chili Recipe! It’s savory, hearty, and easy to make! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Southern Chili Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or chicken
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning Old Bay
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 – 15.5- oz can red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 – 15.5- oz can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 – 28 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 – 4- oz can green chiles
- 2 cups beef broth plus more if needed
- Sour cream for serving
- sliced green onion for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pan with the teaspoon of salt and brown. Breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once the meat has started to brown, add the diced onion, diced celery, and diced green pepper to the pot. Continue to cook until the onion begins to become tender.
- Add the mined garlic, green chiles, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the pot and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Stirring to ensure the spices don’t burn.
- Next add the red kidney beans, black beans, canned tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the chili to a roiling boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. You can add a bit more broth to your liking, if needed.
- Serve the chili with sour cream, green onions, and corn bread.
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Jess Gaertner
Such a flavorful chili! Super easy to make & the ingredients are so good! The smoked paprika really gives it some depth … not too spicy, just enough. Perfect for a chilly night! 🤩
So glad you like it! I love this chili too!
This chili is delicious, quick and I had all the ingredients to make it!
So glad you liked this chili recipe, Laura!